Midshaft Ulna Fracture Recovery Time
A midshaft fracture of the ulna is a severe injury that may result in prolonged recovery time. The ulna works with the radius to provide structure, stability, and flexibility to the forearm. If someone suffers a broken ulna, this may cause significant quality of life issues. Despite this, there are still effective treatment options and many people regain their baseline level of functioning, allowing them to return to work or school. Some of the factors that play a role in the recovery time include the stability of the fracture, whether or not the injury requires surgery and the overall health of the individual.
Is the Midshaft Ulna Fracture Displaced?
When a bone fracture is healing, it is essential that the pieces of the bone are properly lined up and immobilized so that the injury can heal properly. Therefore, when thinking about the recovery time for an ulna fracture, the first question is whether or not the injury is displaced.
Using x-rays, the doctor will be able to tell whether or not the fragments have been displaced. If the bone fragments are still in the proper location, the injury is not displaced and might not require surgery. In this case, the doctor will apply a cast to the arm once the swelling has gone down. This cast will stay in place for about six to eight weeks so that the bones can heal properly. While the fracture is healing, the doctor may want to order periodic x-rays. These repeated images are used to make sure that the bone fragments do not move while they are improving. If the fragments move, the midshaft ulna fracture becomes a displaced injury.
What if the Fracture is Displaced?
If the midshaft ulna fracture is displaced, then it will probably require surgery to put the fragments back in the proper location. The doctor will not be able to operate on the arm until the swelling has gone down. In the meantime, the doctor will apply a brace to immobilize the arm, preventing any further injury.
Once the swelling is gone, the doctor will perform surgery on the arm. During this procedure, the bone fragments will be lined up. Then, plates and screws will be used to hold the bone fragments in the proper position. Finally, once the arm is closed, the physician will place a cast on the arm to immobilize it.
If surgery is needed to repair a bone fracture, the recovery process will be longer. Following the procedure, the individual will probably spend a few days in the hospital, making sure that there aren’t any complications. Some of these include infection, compartment syndrome, and possible injuries to the nerves or blood vessels. After being released from the hospital, it will still take a couple of months for the fracture to heal completely. The larger the fracture, the longer it will take for the bones to heal.
After the Cast is Removed
Once the cast is removed, the arm will feel stiff. This is because the muscles of the forearm haven’t been used while the cast was in place. Therefore, it might take a few weeks for the strength, flexibility, and mobility of the arm to return. Those who are younger and in better physical health will probably regain the use of the arm faster than their older counterparts. In some situations, physical therapy can help people recover more quickly following a midshaft ulna fracture.
Watch YouTube Video: How Does a Bone Heal? This animated video explains how a bone heals after it’s been broken.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. A midshaft fracture of the ulna . If you or a family member has suffered a midshaft fracture of the ulna, call me at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 to receive free, friendly legal guidance and advice.
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